Dr Roberto Miglino 

HZPC Research 

Dr Roberto Miglino is Senior Scientist and Project Leader for Plant Virology and Nematology at HZPC Research B.V. in the Netherlands. His research focuses on potato viruses and other emerging pathogens, including their detection, characterisation and management. He has extensive experience in applied potato virology and industry-focused research. Roberto is Chair of the EAPR Virology Section and organised the 18th EAPR Virology Section Meeting in Switzerland in 2025, which brought together researchers working on potato viruses, phytoplasmas, vectors and disease management.

Professor Paul Struik

Wageningen University & Research

Professor Paul Struik is Emeritus Professor of Crop Physiology at Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, with an extensive international career in crop physiology, agronomy and plant production. His research focuses particularly on potato agronomy, seed systems, agrobiodiversity, tuber formation and crop responses to environmental conditions. He has contributed extensively to understanding seed potato quality and physiological ageing, as well as improving seed systems in developing countries. His expertise also includes modelling photosynthesis and resource-use efficiency at different levels of biological organisation. Paul is Editor-in-Chief of Potato Research, remains actively involved in international potato research and is an honorary member of the EAPR. 

Jean-Eric Chauvin

INRAE

Jean-Eric Chauvin is a French research engineer at INRAE, based in Brittany, France. He is specialized in plant genetics, crop improvement, and the conservation of plant genetic resources, with a particular focus on potatoes. As head of the RGCO experimental unit in Ploudaniel, he contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural systems adapted to oceanic climates. His work combines varietal selection, disease resistance, and agroecological innovation to reduce pesticide use and improve crop resilience. Jean-Eric Chauvin has also participated in collaborative European research projects dedicated to biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.

Kürt  Demeulemeester

Kürt Demeulemeester is a Belgian agricultural researcher and team leader specialising in arable farming systems. He holds a degree in bioscience engineering with a focus on crop protection and agronomy. At Inagro, he coordinates applied research and innovation projects on crops such as potatoes, cereals, fodder crops, flax and protein crops, integrating sustainability and practical crop management. He has contributed to technical reports, scientific publications, and sector-oriented articles with a strong impact on advisory practices. His work supports farmers and policymakers by translating research into applicable strategies. He is a Vice-President on the EAPR Council, contributing to its governance and strategic development and was also involved in organising the 2014 EAPR Triennial Conference in Brussels.

Professor Dr Benjamin Stich

Julius Kühn Institute

Professor Benjamin Stich is professor at the University of Rostock and head of the Institute for Breeding Research on Agricultural Crops at the Julius Kühn-Institut in Groß Lüsewitz, Germany. His expertise includes quantitative genetics, genomics of plants, and plant breeding methodology.

Pia Heltoft Thomsen

Nibio

Pia Heltoft is a researcher from NIBIO in Norway.

Dr Karima Bouchek Mechiche

Inov3pt

Karima Bouchek Mechiche is a research scientist at inov3PT (agricultural research and technical institute for seed potato) and based at INRAE-IGEPP in Le Rheu (France). She is specialized in soil-borne plant pathogens responsible for potato tuber blemishes and storage diseases. Her research focuses on pathogen diagnosis and detection, disease epidemiology, and the development and evaluation of integrated disease management strategies. She leads and coordinates research projects in these areas. She organized the 2023 EAPR Pathology and Pests Section Conference in France and has been serving as Chair of the EAPR Pathology and Pests Section since July 2024.

Guus Heselmans

Meijer Potato

Guus Heselmans (1965) is Research Director at Meijer Potato, based in Rilland, the Netherlands. In this role, he leads and oversees research and breeding innovation within the company’s R&D programs, with a strong focus on potato breeding and applied research. He has extensive experience in developing and coordinating breeding strategies, managing a multidisciplinary R&D team, and guiding research initiatives from concept to implementation. His work bridges fundamental research and practical breeding, supporting the development of improved potato varieties for international markets. In addition to his role at Meijer Potato, Guus Heselmans serves as President Elect of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), where he is part of the association’s governing council and contributes to shaping the strategic direction of international potato research and collaboration in Europe and beyond. A small core team has kicked off the first preparations for the triennial EAPR conference in Rotterdam in 2030.